Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: Don’t Just Stand There (Carl Smith)(Martha White) | Grand Ole Opry (06-21-52)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: December 4, 2025

Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features a digitally restored broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry from June 21, 1952, with country music star Carl Smith headlining. Sponsored by Martha White, the episode is packed with live performances, lighthearted humor, gospel music, and an on-air award presentation, capturing the spirit and atmosphere of Nashville’s legendary WSM barn dance. The original audio is preserved and enhanced, delivering the energy and charm that made the Opry a radio staple.

Key Segments & Insights

1. Opening & Warm Welcome

• [02:33] The show kicks off with the “Solemn Old Judge” welcoming the audience, celebrating the Opry’s 27th year.

  “You’re a swell bunch on a hot night like this. And our boys and girls are going to town for you from here on out.” – Announcer

2. Carl Smith: “Don’t Just Stand There”

• [03:49] – [06:01]
  Carl Smith leads off with his hit “Don’t Just Stand There,” a lively performance matched by enthusiastic accompaniment.
  • Quote:

    “When you feel like you’re in love, don’t just stand there.” – Carl Smith, singing ([03:55])

3. Country Comedy: Little Jimmy Dickens’ Bath-Time Tale

• [06:39] – [09:11]
  Little Jimmy Dickens shares a comical spoken-word piece about childhood Saturday night baths.
  • Memorable Moment:

    “If not, then you ain’t missed a thing. But I'm telling you what's right. I done it till I was almost grown, every dogged on Saturday night.” – Little Jimmy Dickens ([06:39])

    • Vivid, humorous details about galvanized tubs, wood stoves, and family routines.

4. Musical Highlights

• Anita Carter: “Just When I Needed You”
  [09:23] – [12:37]

  • Heartfelt performance, evoking themes of longing and heartbreak.

• June Carter: “Chicken Reel”
  [12:37] – [13:02]

  • Playful and energetic number, foreshadowed by a Martha White jingle.
  • Sponsor Tie-in:

    “It’s the quick that does the trick!” – Sponsor Announcer ([13:02])

• Ray Price: “The Road of No Return”
  [14:52] – [17:01]

  • Debut of Ray Price’s new record, with a mournful, classic country sound.

• Square Dance & Instrumentals
  [17:01] – [18:43]

  • “Possum Hunters” and the Cedar Hill Square Dance Gang deliver a spirited square dance set, complete with live square dance calls.
    • Caller’s Voice:

      “Four hands over. Break and swing. You swing on the last figure, up and down, round and round on you go.” ([17:38])

• Tommy Soulsby: “The Longer We’re Together (The More We Drift Apart)”
  [21:26] – [23:47]

  • Tommy offers a soulful, melancholic waltz about love fading over time.

• The Jordanaires: “My Rock”
  [24:15] – [26:54]

  • Energetic gospel harmonies, lifting the mood with a rousing spiritual.

• Carl Smith: “Are You Teasing Me?”
  [28:25] – [29:57]

  • Another of Carl’s pop-country tunes, delivered with his signature charm.

• Little Jimmy Dickens: “Hot Diggity Dog”
  [30:11] – [32:00]

  • A cheerful, light number about young love.
  • Quote:

    “Hot diggity dog, when she kisses me, it nearly busts a stitch.” – Little Jimmy Dickens ([30:58])

5. On-Air Award Presentation

• [19:27] – [21:01]
  Norman Silver, editor of Country Song Roundup magazine, presents Carl Smith with the “Award of Merit” for being voted #1 in a nationwide popularity poll.
  • Quote:

    “It says here, Country Song Roundup magazine takes pride in presenting its award of merit to Carl Smith, 1952 winner, nationwide popularity poll.” – Norman Silver ([20:04])

  • Smith responds graciously:

    “This is one of the happiest moments, I guess, of my life… I want to thank the nice folks who always read your magazine and follow all the hillbilly artists. And we sure do appreciate it just a whole lot.” – Carl Smith ([20:30])

6. Sponsor Spots

• Throughout the Show
  • Martha White commercials are woven directly into the program, with catchy jingles and emphasis on “Quick Fortune Feed” and the miracle of “quick”:

    “It’s the quick that does the trick!” ([14:21], [26:54])

  • Sponsor banter is lively, matching the Opry’s homey atmosphere.

7. Closing and Next Broadcast Teasers

• [32:00] – [32:36]
  The show wraps with gratitude to the performers and audience, and an invitation to future Martha White-sponsored shows.
  • Mentions appearances by the Carter Sisters, Chet Atkins, and others, keeping excitement high for upcoming broadcasts.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Maintaining Authentic Opry Spirit

  “We got a whole feed wagon loaded with Entertainment Tonight… We’d like to make you feel at home and kindly make you feel welcome, too.” – Announcer ([06:04])

• Award Presentation

  “This is one of the happiest moments, I guess, of my life... this really is great, and I appreciate it very much.” – Carl Smith ([20:30])

• Country Life Humor

  “Now, I’m a man of clean habits. I believe in a bath a week. It helps to keep me healthy and it freshens my physique. But if I had my dregs I’d rather eat a bug then take that Saturday bath again in a galvanized Washington tub.” – Little Jimmy Dickens ([08:25])

• Classic Sponsor Jingle

  “It’s the quick that does the trick!” ([13:02], [26:54])

Essential Timestamps

| Time | Segment/Event | |------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 02:33 | Opening welcome and Opry intro | | 03:49 | Carl Smith, “Don’t Just Stand There” | | 06:39 | Little Jimmy Dickens, Bath-Time Story | | 09:23 | Anita Carter, “Just When I Needed You” | | 12:37 | June Carter, “Chicken Reel” & Martha White plug | | 14:52 | Ray Price, “The Road of No Return” | | 17:01 | Possum Hunters: Square Dance | | 19:27 | Award presentation to Carl Smith | | 21:26 | Tommy Soulsby, “The Longer We’re Together…” | | 24:15 | The Jordanaires, “My Rock” | | 28:25 | Carl Smith, “Are You Teasing Me?” | | 30:11 | Little Jimmy Dickens, “Hot Diggity Dog” | | 32:00 | Farewell |

Podcast Episode Tone & Atmosphere

The episode perfectly captures the effervescent, down-home feel of mid-century Nashville radio. Friendly banter, audience engagement, sentimental songs, and crowd-pleasing comedy blend into a nostalgia-soaked celebration of classic country music culture. The blend of music and sponsor content keeps things lively and true to the era.

For anyone who loves the Grand Ole Opry or classic country entertainment, this episode offers a joyful, vivid window into an iconic Saturday night at WSM.